Interview: Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General, Commonwealth

Sharma represents 54 countries across the world, including a number from Africa. The Commonwealth recently observed elections in Zambia and has a team in place for this weekend’s elections in Cameroon. However, there are some criticisms over the Commonwealth’s approach to holding countries accountable for their human rights record.

It was make or break time for French Prime Minister François Fillon on French television on Sunday night. Facing a government reshuffle by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in October, Fillon could be said to be positioning himself as a possible future presidential candidate. He has remained obedient to Sarkozy since his appointment in 2007, maintaining what he calls an “alliance”. But is now the time for him to go it alone?

PARIS, FRANCE – While the people of Gabon mourn the death of their President and await his funeral, others are asking themselves what will happen to the criminal case brought against Omar Bongo in relation to alleged stolen assets, and a string of luxurious apartments, bank accounts and cars. Last year Transparency International and the Sherpa association lodged a complaint against Omar Bongo and two other African leaders suspected of profiting from the proceeds of public assets. The complaint led to a criminal investigation into Omar Bongo and his relatives, which established ownership of 39 apartments, 70 bank accounts and nine cars in France. Bongo’s death puts a halt to the criminal case, however. Radio France Internationale